Community Center
Our Community Center (aka "The Gym") is a place for all of our citizens to meet, spend time together, celebrate a birthday or baby shower, and maybe a game pickleball or a debate about local politics. It is a popular place for walking on cold winter mornings, and the doors are unocked around 7:30am for anyone who would like to walk laps. No matter what the reason, this Community Center provides a perfect meeting spot for residents of all ages.
Community Center Ammenities
The facility includes a gymnasium with wooden bleachers, a carpeted "stage" area, restrooms and a water fountain. The facility does NOT have a kitchen (yet) and does not have air conditioning.
The Community Center is free for all Ashmore residents, although donations are always welcome.
Reserve the Community Center for your next gathering! Contact Carol Bradford for details: 217-349-8472.
History
This unique building with it's arched roofline was built in 1934 as part of the Ashmore High School complex.
Ashmore High School began in 1890's as a private school. The two-story brick high school building was built in 1924 and was located just south of the Community Center building where the parking lot is today. In its first year holding classes, the Ashmore High School started with 24 freshmen and ended with 16. Due to lack of state funding, the high school adopted a 3-year program from 1924 until 1947, wherein students would transfer to Charleston, Kansas, Westfield, or Oakland to complete their fourth year.
After 1947, the school building continued as an elementary school until 1973 when the new elementary school building was built. The old school was demolished in Summer 1973. The new school continues today as part of the Charleston Community Unit School District #1.
Ashmore Elementary currently teaches grades K-4 and boasts as one of the highest-performing schools in the district, according to www.illinoisreportcard.com. Ashmore Elementary is graded as "COMMENDABLE," which is given to schools with no underperforming student groups and a graduation rate greater than 67%. (Click HERE for more info about our school & district.)